Semester Exchange at UCD Past Review

By A student (Animal Sciences., Kansas State University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

University College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This was my first time out of the US and I learned an incredible amount about the world. I met people from many different countries and explored Ireland and parts of Europe. This was one of the best experiences of my life!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I had fantastic professors and great resources, but I felt that the coursework was not as rigorous as my courses at home. This was actually okay, though, because I had more time to spend exploring Ireland.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The international office was extremely nice, helpful, and available.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Nice facilities; great housing staff; very convenient and close to campus; kind of expensive. The security is a bit much - you are only allowed registered guests after 10pm, and there can only be one guest registered per flat (and each flat has 3-6 residents). Overall, very satisfied.
* Food:	I did not have a campus meal arrangement - my flat had a kitchen and we cooked our meals. Grocery stores are pretty close to campus and there is an on-campus convenience store.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	All of the Irish students were VERY friendly and nice, but I had a difficult time getting to know them outside of class/clubs/societies. As upperclassmen, they all had their own friends already, so it was a bit difficult to join in. If I did this again, I would make more of an effort to spend time with Irish students outside of campus.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I did not have an experience with healthcare. There was an on-campus health center that some of my friends used, and they said it was helpful.
* Safety:	I felt very safe during my time in Ireland. Dublin has a few seedy areas, but just be smart about where you are and who you're with. The Garda are friendly and helpful.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university?	Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Meeting friends from a variety of countries Interesting and relevant coursework Exploring Ireland
* What could be improved?	Cost of living was quite high
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	During the first few weeks, say yes to everything! However, remember that you don't have to do EVERYTHING - take time to just relax and wander around. Enjoy your time - it goes way too quickly!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Animal Reproduction (ANSC 30010)
Course Department:	Agriculture
Instructor:	Dr. Pat Lonergan
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was really great - Dr. Lonergan gave most of the lectures. He was very helpful (but definitely ask questions). The practicals (labs) were great. We went out to the UCD research farm and did dissections and observed procedures. I went to every lecture and felt very prepared for the final exam. There were two quizzes (MCQ), one exam over the practicals (MCQ), and one long written final.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Animal Genomics (ANSC 30030)
Course Department:	Agriculture
Instructor:	David MacHugh
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Great course - Dr. MacHugh is very knowledgeable and approachable. I attended all lectures but one and felt prepared for the exam. Evaluation is one paper (15%) and one written final exam (85%).
Credit Transfer Issues: